There are several places for spiritual retreats in Malta. [1] The first retreat house in Malta was San Calcedonio in Floriana. It was constructed by the Jesuits and inaugurated in 1751. The diocesan clergy administered it after the Jesuits' expulsion in 1768. Today the structure forms part of the Archbishop’s Curia. [1] [2]
The following is a list of retreat places in the Maltese Islands: [3] [4]
| Name | Location | Run by | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christ the Shepherd | Tal-Virtu, Rabat | Archbishop’s Seminary | 98 * |
| Mount St Joseph Retreat House [1] [5] [6] | Targa Gap, Mosta | Jesuits | 78 |
| Dar il-Ħanin Samaritan [7] | Santa Venera | M.U.S.E.U.M. | 60 |
| Retreat House [8] | Tas-Silġ, Marsaxlokk | Discalced Carmelites | 55 |
| La Salle Centre [9] | Mellieha | De La Salle Brothers | 54 * |
| Rivotorto Retreat House [10] | Birkirkara | Centru Animazzjoni u Komunikazzjoni (ĊAK) | 47 |
| ŻAK House & Flatlet [11] | Birkirkara | Żgħażagħ Azzjoni Kattolika (ŻAK) | 44 |
| Savio College | Dingli | Salesians | 37 |
| Chapel of Christ Our Saviour [12] (Kappella ta' Santu Kristu) | Għaxaq | Ghaxaq parish | 30 * |
| Lunzjata Retreat House [13] | Rabat | Carmelites | 30 |
| St Joseph Retreat House [14] | Rabat | Sisters of St Joseph | 28 |
| Sala Marija Ewkaristika | Żebbuġ | Fergha Ewkaristika | 26 |
| Name | Location | Run by | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manresa Retreat House [1] [15] | Victoria | Jesuits | 48 |
| Stella Maris House | Żebbuġ | Missionary Society of St Paul | 37 |
| Dar Madre Teresa Spinelli | Għajnsielem | Augustinian Sisters | 32 |
Mount St. Joseph Retreat House, located in Mosta, became the focal point of considerable controversy following a proposal to construct a shooting range nearby. [16] The proposal faced significant resistance from the local community and environmental organisations, reflecting broader concerns about development practices in Malta under the Labour Party's administration.
Mount St. Joseph Retreat House is a Jesuit-run facility known for its serene environment, offering a conducive environment for contemplation and spiritual retreats for roughly ten thousand people annually, since 1964. [1] [6] [17] [16] In 2015, a consortium named U-Group proposed to develop a shooting range at a disused military installation in Tal-Busbesija, Mosta. The project intended to repurpose the derelict site for target shooting activities. The initiative swiftly incited resistance from the Jesuit community and local residents expressing concerns regarding the noise and disruption the shooting range would generate, undermining the tranquillity of the retreat house and nearby residential areas. [16] [18] [19] The Mosta council conducted public meetings and hearings, during which citizens expressed their complaints. [20] [21] [22] [23]
The controversy underscored growing concerns about environmental issues and corruption in Malta. [19] [24] Public demonstrations and appeals for planning reform intensified, as citizens insisted on measures to safeguard Malta's environment and guarantee transparent development practices. [25] [26] The proposal for the shooting range near Mount St. Joseph Retreat House was ultimately dropped, marking one of the few victories for the local community and environmental advocates. [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32]